Rockin' the Mom Role: Philippine Independence Day June 12

June 12 is Philippine Independence Day. The original date was June 12, 1898, so that makes it our 115th.

As always, all government offices went about celebrating the event with wreath-laying, flag-raising, speeches and the usual courtesy calls by ambassadors from different consular offices.

Ordinary folks like me, simply attach flaglets on our vehicles and display them for about a week or so. Unlike in the USA where folks yearly pull out all the stops with the red, white and blue themes on decor, food and drinks and even clothing and keepsakes. Filipinos simply remember, and go on with their lives.

I have had the privilege of visiting the largest mall in Davao City, SM Lanang Premier, earlier during the week and was pleasantly surprised to find an exhibit of Barong Tagalog by Architect Michael Dakudao in celebration of Philippine Barong Tagalog Week. Barong Tagalog is the National Costume for men. For men to wear these, made from natural fibers native to the Philippines like Jusi ( who-see), Piña ( pineapple fiber ) and Sinamay ( from Abaca fiber ) would be a privilege and an honor, not to mention luxury. These are the kinds or formal wear men don to formal events and official functions and may be worn interchangeably with suits.

Naturally, I took pictures of the collection, just before the opening ceremonies began. Here they are:

Old Rose and Anito-inspired ( pagan god)

Black Sinamay and beaded with shells

Dark Blue Vintage Piña with floral embroidery by designer Renee Salud in the 1930's

Chinese collared Piña barong with minimalist lace embroidery, my favorite

Closeup of the detail and art deco brass buttons by designer Otoy Mercado

Midnight Blue piña barong with T'boli design

Almost Ombre Rose jusi barong with delicate embroidery

Classic Jusi barong

Almost painted look but these are embroidery

Ostrich embroidered Barong

embroidery detail, nice huh?!

Simultaneous to this exhibit was the It's More Fun in the Philippines LEGO Exhibit where the makers of LEGO, replicated the Philippine archipelago, highlighting landmarks and iconic symbols. Young and old folks took turns circling the exhibit and taking pictures. Sad thing, I only had my cellphone camera, I couldn't take a panoramic view that would include everything. Here are my few shots.